IBM, International Business Machine Corp on Thursday, February 18, 2016 revealed its plans to buy a healthcare data and analytics service provider, Truven Health Analytics for $2.6 billion.

Highlighting the plan, Deborah DiSanzo, General Manager of Watson Health said in a statement released, “With this acquisition, IBM will be the world's leading health data, analytics and insights company, and the only one that can deliver the unique cognitive capabilities of the Watson platform."

The statement pointed out that Truven will bring over 8500 clients, including federal and state government agencies, employers, health plans, hospitals and others.